Shelf life

Shelf life A large percentage of organic skincare products lack chemical preservatives such as parabens, which have been linked to hormone disruption and can accumulate in our bodies after years of exposure. While there are several safe and effective natural preservatives commonly used in organic skincare products, the lack of low cost and safe synthetic preservatives can cause the organic products to expire faster than conventional products.  While relying on synthetic preservatives to extend shelf life is convenient, it isn’t always healthy. It’s important to think of our skincare like with think about our food. We want to nourish our bodies with healthy, fresh foods not processed ones that are full of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Our skincare should be held to the same standards. Some companies provide packaging that shows the estimated life of a product, which can be helpful. However because of the lack of labeling requirements in the United States, it’s up to the consumer to determine whether or not a product is still appropriate for use.

• No dates: The FDA does not require expiration dates on these products, so be sure to look at color, consistency and smell as indicators of a potential problem.

• Products with dates: The FDA does regulate products containing a substance that could be considered a “drug.” Drugs are classified by their intended use, as “articles intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease" and "articles (other than food) intended to affect the structure or any function of the body of man or other animals" Sunscreens, acne medications and dandruff treatments are considered drugs.

Certification

Products that carry organic certification have met certain strict standards relating to ingredient quality, farming practices, pesticide use and genetic modification. Certification bodies include Ecocert and USDA, but some companies choose to bypass certification.

• The process: To obtain certification, a company must show that it keeps its organic products separate from non-organic material. They also must not use GMOs or irradiation and must implement the Organic Handling Plan.

• Cost: Certification tends to run in the tens of thousands of dollars. New companies may not be certified, but they may have a great product line that is better than the competition. So, if a company is not certified it is good to research how they make their products.

Effectiveness

Conventional products often strive to offer the same results as natural alternatives, but their objective is to do so at a lower cost. As a result, health,  safety and sustainability standards are often compromised.  Synthetic ingredients are affordable and readily available. Unfortunately, just like with food, the high-quality organic ingredients in skincare products are more expensive and harder to source. However, with widespread consumer awareness and increased supply and demand, eventually more people will have access to safe, effective products.  The market for clean skincare is expanding because consumers are realizing that organic products are just as effective as conventional products and don’t pose a risk to their health.

• Moisture: Lotions, creams and butters help give skin a healthy glow without exposing it to the potential harmful effects of synthetic compounds like petrochemicals, formaldehyde, phthalates and silicone-derived emollients. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, tumor growth and skin irritation, unlike natural alternatives like shea and cocoa butters and essential oils such as avocado, sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil.

• Ingredients: Honey, coconut oil, and pomegranate are a few of the many natural products that nourish skin. Coconut oil can replace mineral oil which prevents the skin from shedding toxic substances. Honey can be a much gentler alternative to salicylic acid, an acne fighting ingredient, while pomegranate seed oil can replace coal tar as a moisturizing and protective agent, without causing cancer.

• No harmful chemicals: The absence of dyes, artificial fragrances and petrochemicals keep bodies as healthy as possible. For example, paraphenylenediamine is often used in chemical hair dyes, but it is dangerous on the skin and can negatively impact the immune system. Organic skin care products avoid these lab-created substances and use natural dyes like henna.

Animal testing

Many organic skin care companies swear off animal testing. Cruelty-free cosmetics are in increasing demand, as consumers become more aware of laboratory practices. With alternative testing methods available and research that shows that animal testing for cosmetics can be largely ineffective when translated to actual products, no animal testing is a big part of the organic skin care industry.

• Labels: To confirm if a company does not test on animals, consumers should look for a leaping bunny logo, labels that read "No Animal Testing" and similar designations on a company's product or website.

• Cut off dates: Most organizations that offer certifications for cruelty-free have a timeline within which a company must comply. In some cases, a company policy may change after the end of the deadline. Consumers should check company websites to be sure of animal testing issues.

• Animal ingredients: Some companies do not test on animals, but they use animal-sourced ingredients such as honey, milk, carmine, collagen, glucosamine, elastin and panthenol, just to name a few. While there are often plant-based derivatives for many of these ingredients, unless the packaging specifies it is a good idea to check the source of these ingredients as many come from animal parts.

What are different types of organic skincare products?

Moisturizer

Moisturizers can target men and women, one skin type or all skin types with ingredients such as honey, avocado, cocoa butter, coconut oil and Shea butter. For example, honey is good for skin that is prone to acne because it has natural antibacterial properties, and Shea butter is good for dry skin because of its high concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids.

 

Cleanser

Natural cleansers and exfoliants will gently clean skin without resulting in breakouts, dryness or abrasions. Natural oil cleansing with organic oils such as castor, avocado, jojoba, safflower, almond and olive (just to name a few) is an effective way to clean and nourish skin. Lemon juice, vinegar, honey and natural exfoliants such as sea salt and sugar can replace harsh chemicals, microplastics and lathering agents like sodium lauryl sulfate.

 

Makeup

“Clean” makeup products can enhance a person's appearance without resorting to harsh chemicals like parabens and dyes. Instead, “clean” makeup products use natural plant dyes and healthy oils like Shea butter, argan oil and others to give products the right creamy consistency and staying power that other makeup provides, while not opening up the skin to harmful chemicals.

 

Hair care

Since most organic shampoos are formulated without sulfates they tend not to foam as intensely as conventional shampoos. Foaming agents and surfactants are not necessary to clean the hair and switching to gentler plant based cleansers and conditioners formulated with ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera and essential oils will help restore the scalp’s natural balance.

 

Toner

Stripping away extra oil and leaving skin feeling refreshed is the job of a toner. Natural toners use ingredients like vinegar, cucumber, rose water, camphor and other astringents to help tighten and refresh skin.